Skubal has glanced back at old photos of himself mugging for the camera at the big-league stadium before Seattle University played a game here, never imagining that he would one day return as a big-leaguer (in 2021) or as the best pitcher in baseball (in 2025).

Tarik Skubal, though born in California and raised in Arizona, considers Seattle a special place. The Detroit Tigers' left-hander and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner will look to continue his mastery of the host Mariners when he takes the mound in the finale of a three-game series Wednesday afternoon.